Manchester City capped a $150 million transfer spree ahead of the Club World Cup by signing Netherlands midfielder Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan on Wednesday.
Reijnders, 26, joined for an initial fee of €55 million ($63 million) and is the second midfielder — after France playmaker Rayan Cherki — to arrive during the special June 1–10 transfer window, created to let Club World Cup teams reshape their squads.
City also signed Algeria left-back Rayan Aït-Nouri from Wolverhampton for $42 million and paid Lyon $41 million for Cherki.
Having opted against pursuing Germany playmaker Florian Wirtz — reportedly close to joining Liverpool — City ended up spending roughly the same amount across three players.
This latest splurge follows a $200 million outlay in the winter window, taking City’s 2025 spending to over $350 million as the club reloads under Pep Guardiola in its bid to reclaim the Premier League title from Liverpool.
Reijnders was recently named Serie A’s best midfielder after a breakout season in which he scored 15 goals and registered five assists across competitions for a struggling Milan side that missed out on European qualification.
He had joined Milan from AZ Alkmaar in 2023 for about €20 million and recently signed a new contract through 2030 — the same term he’s signed with City.
City is also preparing to part ways with Kevin De Bruyne, ending his decade-long spell at the club. Reijnders and Cherki are expected to link up with Rodri in a refreshed midfield.
Reijnders said he was “ecstatic” to join City: “It’s a dream come true to play in the Premier League. Many top Dutch players have starred here, and it’s inspiring to follow in their footsteps.”
Director of football Hugo Viana said Reijnders, known for his ball-carrying ability, would bring “extra energy, composure and creativity” to the midfield.
City announced the transfer a day after the special window closed but reportedly completed the deal in time for Reijnders to feature in the expanded 32-team Club World Cup, which starts Saturday.
City is grouped with Juventus, Al Ain, and Wydad Casablanca, and opens its campaign on June 18.
Content Source: sportstar.thehindu.com